A demonstrator holds up a placard during a protest against Malaysia's participation in rule-making negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in Kuala Lumpur on July 19, 2013. – AFP picKOTA BAHARU, Aug 17 — The government views seriously the transparency issue in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) talks and will further improve on it so that the rakyat will be able to get a clearer picture of the negotiations.

Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, said because of the lack of transparency, there were many parties who made a lot of accusations based on speculation and they were not to blame because of lack of information.

“In my earlier statement, I’ve already said the Cabinet viewed seriously the issue of transparency and we will further improve on it,” he said.

Mustapa said this at a media briefing after chairing Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee meeting here today.

He said the special Cabinet meeting on Thursday decided that the government would not sign the TPPA if the terms were not beneficial to the country.

At a special meeting, the Cabinet made this stand as a number of issues, including that of state-owned enterprises, or government-linked companies, labour and Intellectual Property Rights, remained unresolved.

Mustapa said he would be leading the Malaysian delegation to the 45th Asean economic ministers’ meeting in Brunei Darussalam from tomorrow to August 21.

“The meeting will discuss matters regarding the TPPA, including the transparency issue,” he said.

He said his ministry would continue to meet various parties, including non-governmental organsations to brief them on the TPPA. — Bernama

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